Black Belt

Outstanding traditional martial arts movie. Tatsuya Naka (currently JKA 7th Dan - Shotokan) truly shines with both his acting and amazing martial arts skills. He plays Taikan, the student who initially goes against his sensei's teachings, using excessive force against his opponents. Akihito Yagi plays Giryu, the student who follows sensei's teaching to the letter, and does not use force against his opponents, only blocks, albeit with tremendous force. Yagi is a 7th Dan in Gojo Ryu, and also displays great acting and martial arts skills. Choei, played by Yuji Suzuki, who is a shodan in Kyokushin Karate, is sensei's student who must decide who will earn sensei's black belt (koru obi), after he passes away. Awesome character development, great story, phenomenal acting and martial arts. The music by Naoki Sato is something one could listen to all day! I have already watched this movie four times, not counting the number of times I watch the last scene and the credits, as both Naka and Yagi perform kata with Sato's music playing in the background...only wish this section was longer!!! A movie one could easily watch and enjoy numerous times. Japanese with English Subtitles.

As a student of traditional JKA Shotokan karate for many years and an avid martial arts movie fan I have to say that I was stunned by this movie - in all my years this is the first time that I have seen a movie about traditional karate. I was overwhelmed by the characters depiction of traditional karate and when I did my research on the two principle characters and found out that they are 6th degree (JKA) and 5th degree (Goju) karate masters I was VERY impressed.I will not try and give a review of the film (that has already been done) - I will just say if you are a traditional karate student - see this movie - if not see it anyway.Note: When Sensei Naka performs the kata's Nijushiho and Meikyo I felt a sense of pride in knowing that the general public was finally getting a chance to see actual traditional style karate (no offense to the Goju kata (smile)).Purchase this movie - maybe more will be made.Frederick Simpson

I sat transfixed during this movie. It was as though I had waited to see this film my entire life. I have been a practitioner of Karate-do since I was in high school and have never seen anything like this. From the deep symbolism and the philosophical questions the film raises to the STUNNING representation of traditional karate, it is a film that all karateka should see. To me, it is the best representation of the ideals, spirit, execution and philosophy of Karate-do that has yet to be created. I found out after seeing the film that the actors are highly accomplished karateka in real life (Naka in Shotokan, Yagi in Okinawan Goju-Ryu), but their acting is so good that while watching I found myself wondering how they were able to teach these actors such solid karate. I will always be grateful that this film got made, and that Amazon suggested it for me after I investigated 'Fighter In The Wind.' Kuro Obi is an invaluable film.

Unike so many wild Hong Kong Wire-Fu flicks and Matrix styled Hollywood nonsense, Blackbelt is a quiet, accurate depiction of both the physical and spiritual world of the martial artist. Where too many films espouse the "Zen" philosophy but contradict it with nonsensical battles every 2 minutes, Blackbelt spends most of its time reflecting and developing its primary characters. It's filmed in a manner that's very much reminiscent of Kurosawa's Seven Samurai. It's pacing is placid but always engaging. The two characters, Taikan and Giryu represent two opposite poles of the karateka. It's an interesting essay on the morality of martial artist.This movie was the deciding factor for me to stop deliberating and being studying Goju-Ryu. It's a fascinating, engaging film about an art that combines linear powerful movements of karate and the circle softer motions of Kung Fu.Well worth buying and watching over and over. The cinematography in particular is stunning.

"BLACK BELT" is a well-done film which reminds viewers of several important historical and martial arts facts. One, the complete and utter barbarism demonstrated through the rise of Japanese militarism during the late 1930s and 1940s. Two, the physical effectiveness of karate techniques and how they can be misused - even after years of serious training by a practitioner. And lastly, the transcendant power of man's inner morality - a trait which always triumphs over evil.The martial techniques are realistic as are the conflicting attitudes shown by the main characters. This is a great movie for both the martial arts enthusiast and the person with a budding interest in the history of the period.

Exhilirating representation of classical Karate.Seeing the spirit of the warrior translated into their own chosen paths.The kata and applications were extremely refreshing.Instead of the contrived fight sequences in many martial arts movies, which fit within their relative genre, these had a stunningly realistic representation.At one time I enjoyed modern MMA and I still respect the atheletes that train in it for dedicating themselves to a skillful sport.But this movie represents warriors and that is far removed from fighting for an audience as a career.Makes me wish I could leave my life behind, search and find a traditional sensei, and dedicate my whole being and life to training.Karate is not just a martial art, it is a WAY of life as are all the traditional discliplines.As a former, current and continuing student of different martial ways, this movie touched my soul.

Para um adepto da karate, um excelente filme!

Envoi : RAS , nickel .Les pratiquants d'arts martiaux trouveront un contenu de qualité (loin des brassages de vent pour faire joli à la télé).Bon film (meme si la fin reste prévisible).

By "real", no one flies through the air nor lives through 5 minutes of fighting, being thrown, tossed, punched, kicked and hit with a crow bar only to rise up in the next scene.This movie uses high level karate-ka as actors instead of actors playing the part. The karate-ka are better at their chosen craft than acting, but no matter - the story moves along nicely. So is the portrayed training. In that regard its a very realistic martial arts movie and the fighting is quite close to what it would be like. The strikes are deadly; people die and the fight is over with quickly.The plot involves 3 karate students of which 2 are used to illustrate how power and skill can corrupt ones spirit. One student is corrupted, another tries to remain pure to his teachings and the lesser seen one tries keep every one honest. This plot unfolds in pre WWII Japan where the country itself is coming to terms with historic warrior culture amongst opportunists taking advantage of the poorer populace. If this sounds vague, its intentional.The movie has English sub titles. The only place where it seems to get a little silly is the final fight scene. Not that its poorly done.... it seems to be a little out of context. Overall, the movie moves alonge nicely and it does not ask you to suspend reality.The two main characters are shown doing their belt level kata during the credits at the end, and you can readily appreciate their skill.This is off the main stream for most martial arts movies and may not appeal to most. I do think though that anyone that practices martial arts - regardless of style - will enjoy this movie. For others, as an "action movie", you may want to look elsewhere.

Great movie, lots of classic karate!!

Reçu dans une enveloppe à bulles en très bon état.vu le prix modique j'avais un peu peur, mais non,Excellent film difficile à trouver en magasin